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FEELINGSVILLE – Floyd Martin was part of a Georgian community group for over 30 years. He was delivering mail and smiles all the way.
That ended Wednesday when the 61-year-old finished his last run before retiring. But that's the way those to whom he sent the mail responded that made his story a viral sensation.
Jennifer Brett, a journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, followed Martin for his latest journey and tweeted along the way. Martin told Brett that he was a graduate of a high school located on the outskirts of Atlanta in 1975 and had joined the US Postal Service a few years later, after offering to double the salary that he was touching the bank where he was working.
WIRE: Floyd Martin retires after almost 35 years of expedition as a postman. I went with him on his road today. pic.twitter.com/qZhUVY7Sz8
– Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) May 22, 2019
Brett's Wednesday routine included hugs from those to whom he was delivering mail, and some in the neighborhood delivered gifts to Martin as he came with their mail.
"Children on the road, my love, my love, L-O-V-E, Mr. Floyd," Brett tweeted, with a photo of Martin with a young neighborhood kid who even dressed himself as a courier. Other neighbors told how Martin smiled and acted daily, fed their pets or watched the old neighbors on the road.
Neighbors even decorated their mailboxes in banners, balloons or cards to celebrate Martin's career and let him know he was loved in the community.
Update! People on the road to Floyd decorated their mailboxes to surprise him on his last day pic.twitter.com/7vo8Gepv2s
– Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) May 24, 2019
The most touching part may have been seen after the end of his service, with more than 300 people on the road having hosted him with a retirement party. The locals were able to thank him for all he did for them, hugging and taking pictures with him.
"It's incredible. They were my friends, " Martin told Brett at the end of his career. "I could have left them a long time ago but I would not do it because I love them."
Here is a small excerpt from Floyd next to one of the mailboxes decorated in his honor. He could have taken a job easier at the post office over the years but did not do it. "I could have left them a long time ago but I would not do it, because I love them." pic.twitter.com/SOaIf3wBYr
– Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) May 24, 2019
Floyd said tonight's mailing was the most beautiful thing anyone ever did for him. His last words: "Keep taking care of yourself and smile when you think of me." -30 – pic.twitter.com/OsYgT1PgCp
– Jennifer Brett (@Jennifer__Brett) May 24, 2019
Brett's initial tweet has generated more than 35,000 retweets in about 48 hours, as well as many other touchdowns seeing the impact that a kind person can have on a community.
"It was very touching, my grandfather was a retired postman and he was a shop steward after retirement, he loved his job and the families he worked in. Best wishes to Mr. Floyd," a person answered.
"Congratulations Floyd for your 35 years of service – and touching so many people, the world needs more people like you," another added.
Congratulations, Floyd, on your 35 years of service – and you've clearly touched a lot. The world needs more people like you …
– Elizabeth Vargas (@EVargasTV) May 24, 2019
Tears. It is America that I know. I miss it. ?
– Tracey Gaughran (@traceygaughran) May 24, 2019
I do not cry, you cry.
– Sean McGraw (@SeattleMcGraw) May 24, 2019
It's great and makes my day! I wish all people are more like Floyd: understanding the value of people and that empathy in building relationships means much more than just letting someone through saying hello. All the best for Floyd! ❤️
– Jenni Poutanen (@jenni_poutanen) May 24, 2019
But the end of a story career is even happier.
After learning that her dream was to travel to Hawaii one day, the neighborhood came together to create a GoFundMe * fund to finance a retirement gift. Friday afternoon, nearly $ 19,000 was paid to fulfill Martin's retirement dream. Delta Airlines also has offered to cover Martin's flight to Hawaii.
* KSL.com does not guarantee that the money deposited on the account will be used for the benefit of the designated beneficiaries. If you plan to make a deposit on the account, you should consult your own advisors and proceed at your own risk.
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